Glaucoma: Treatments & Home Remedies

A person suffering from glaucoma experiences a build-up of pressure in his eye causing damage to his optic nerve. The risk of developing glaucoma increases with age, but an early detection and a viable treatment option can prevent the patient from going blind. Here are a few treatment methods and home remedies that will help prevent or relieve the associated symptoms of glaucoma.

Treatments for Glaucoma

Fortunately, there are some formal treatments for glaucoma, including laser therapy, various types of eye drops, oral medications and other minimally invasive procedures.

Laser Therapy

One of the easiest solutions for this condition is laser therapy, in which a low-level laser is used to open the blocked draining canals in the eye, allowing fluid to pass normally. This treatment is typically for people with primary glaucoma. According to nationwide Glaucoma Laser Trial (GLT), sponsored by the National EyeInstitute of the National Institutes of Health both treatments (laser and eyedrops) caused side effects.

The laser treatment gives rise to temporary to no issues in the long run, while the eyedrops may cause discomfort coupled with blurry vision, headaches and a fast and slow heartbeat.

Eye Drops

There are different eye drops that can be prescribed for this condition, including beta blockers, prostaglandins, and miotic agents. Depending on the type of glaucoma you’re suffering from, these drops can increase the outflow of fluid from your eye to reduce pressure or slow down the production of fluid in the eye, both of which can help minimize symptoms. Unfortunately, some people dislike using prescription eye drops due to the various side effects, ranging from inflammation and light sensitivity to blood pressure fluctuations and dry mouth

Oral Medication

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors come in eye drop form but can also be consumed as an oral tablet. This medication will help reduce the production of aqueous humor fluid in the eye, which can lower the pressure. Tingling in the extremities and a metallic taste in the mouth are the common side effects of using this medication.

Surgical Options

Some minimally invasive procedures can be done to relieve the pressure of glaucoma, including inserting a small tube into your eye or removing a piece of the drainage canal tissue, allowing the intraocular pressure to be released.

Home Remedies for Glaucoma

Having even a minimally invasive procedure done on the eye is a frightening prospect for some people, so home remedies for glaucoma are quite popular, such as increasing carotenoid intake, along with the use of fennel, cayenne pepper, vitamin E, eyebright and Ginkgo biloba.

Cayenne Pepper

Although the idea of putting pepper in your eye sounds unpleasant, when you adequately dilute cayenne pepper with water or in your eye drops, it can quickly reduce inflammation in the eye, which has been linked to a higher risk of developing glaucoma.

Fennel

This herb has a number of active ingredients that can provide a major boost to your vision by reducing inflammation and increasing circulation. You can prepare a mild eye rub with fennel, or brew a cup of tea and consume once per day for best results.

Vitamin E

Studies have linked the antioxidant effects of vitamin E to cleansing the lens of the eye as well, ensuring that there isn’t a build-up or any blockage that could impair vision. Vitamin E supplements are widely available or increase your dietary intake with foods like almonds, kale, mustard greens and other plant oils.

Ginkgo Biloba

This ancient herb can detoxify the body, as well as the eyes, and increase circulation and oxygen delivery. If you are suffering from the symptoms of glaucoma, the increased nutrients and oxygen can help combat this condition and slow its progression.

Eyebright

As the name implies, this herb is specifically known for its impact on vision. If you want to improve vision, the different concoctions with this herb, ranging from oral supplements to eye drops, can quickly eliminate the symptoms and get your vision back to normal.

While these are the prescribed treatments and home remedies to cure glaucoma, we suggest that you nevertheless consult your medical supervisor.

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, and publisher who earned his English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Urbana (USA). He is the co-founder of a literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and calls the most beautiful places in the world his office. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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